The Journey Begins
When I woke up, I walked to the docks to see where my boat would be. When I got there, I could see around 70 people and one small life boat. Just looking at the boat, I thought I was going to die. It looked like it could hold 50 people at max, so how was it going to carry 72? I waited in line for about 20 minutes until it started to board. Unfortunately, I got a seat at the edge of the boat, so if there was any disturbance in the water, I could kiss my life goodbye. The boat was compact because of all the people on it. I could see a family. A mother with her 2 daughters around 12-15 years old, and a brand new looking baby boy. I felt sorry for them. These kids are never getting off this boat alive.
After 2 hours of on the boat, I started to throw up. My stomach was coming thorugh my mouth. I had no idea how I was going to get through this alive.
After what felt like an eternity, the capitain said we had arrived at our destination. When I looked up, I could see thousands of tents, all had UNHCR wirtten in blue on them. I then saw a group of kids running around laughing. It had been a long time since I heard that sound.
I could not express what I felt at that moment. It was a mix of emotions between relief, happiness and excitement. For the first time in many mounths I really felt safe. I felt free. This was a chance for me to get a job and to tell my family back home that there is a way out. However, what I am most happy about is that Ilam alive. I had survived, the most dangerous journey of my life.